In principle NOT (equipment). Only for C41 and E6 development you need a precise temperature control. C41 and E6 are running on 37,8 degrees C. C41 +/- 0,5 C ; E-6 +/- 0,2 C.

C41 is a 3 step process, E-6 (original) a 6 step process. But YES different chemicals.

B&W can be done on 20 degrees C (roomtemperature) but is a non standard process, so for each film/developer you need to optimize your results.
Follow some links on our website and you can see how many manufactureres are involved in good processing (Jobo), printing (Heiland) and others things.

Look at this site http://www.ilford.com/html/us_english/p ... bbyist.pdf
it can help you
Pick one film and one devoleper and use it so that you can get to know it.
I started up the with Kodak T-max film and developer and got some ok pictures, it is easy to use and the ilford sit gives you the basic idea.